Falconry Experience in Kent

Full and Half Day Falconry Experiences• Half days last approximately three hours• Full days last approximately six hours• Welcome briefing and drink where you learn how to hold and handle the birds• Learn how to cast the bird and call them back • Spend time with the owls

Owl Experience• Owl experiences last around 2 and a half hours• You will have a welcome briefing and complimentary drink• Learn how to hold, handle and weigh the owls• The opportunity to fly a barn owl, scops owl and an eagle owl

• Experiences are often on a one to one basis• During peak periods you may be part of a small group of up to five guests. • There will be lots of great photo opportunities

Please see the full selection of experiences available by gift voucher on our home page which includes many outdoor related activities and don't forget to visit on main gifts area for some great deals and offers, on a wide selection of memorable gift ideas.

What can I expect on the day

Based on a farm estate not far from Sevenoaks, these lessons in falconry in Kent provide access to hundreds of acres of arable farmland, pasture and woodland. Falconry handling has long been a traditional skill in Kent and this friendly family run centre boasts three falconers with over 35 years combined experience, so you can be assured of an experience that will be informative, enjoyable and unforgettable, providing you with an insight into the life of a falconer and the birds.

After meeting the falconers and enjoying a welcome briefing and drink by the Kent team, you will be fitted out with a glove and shown the correct way to hold and handle birds of prey. Your time is not wasted in the classroom, it's straight out with the hawks on a nice slow ramble in the Kentish countryside for some hands on falconry. Although there is no actual hunting involved, you'll learn how important birds of prey were in providing food for the table - you may even meet Pascoe the German wired haired pointer or Finn the Border Terrier who love to accompany guests on the walks.

Half day falconry courses here in Kent start with two hours of learning about and flying the graceful Harris Hawks in the countryside around the farm. By the end of the session you should be confident enough to cast the hawk and then call them back to your fist by offering tit bits. The rest of the half day session is spent with the owls - always guaranteed to make you go 'Ahhhhh'! Depending on the season, you might handle and fly a Barn Owl, a Snowy Owl or Bengal Eagle Owl too.

Full day courses start with three hours of handling and flying the graceful Harris Hawks in the countryside around the farm. By the end of the session you should be confidently handling the birds, casting and then recalling them from the flight to your fist with tit bits.

Then it's back to the falconry for an extended session out in the fields with a variety of birds of prey. Depending on the time of year, you might be meeting and working with a Barn Owl, Snowy Owl or even Elsa the graceful Bengal Eagle Owl. You will also be able to experience (if its the right season) the power and grace of the Redtail Buzzard, the agility of the Kestrel and the Falcons or even the large wing-spanned Turkey Vulture! There will be plenty of time to handle and 'have a go' with the birds before your falconry Kent experience comes to an end. Visit our main falconry page for details of falconry courses and venues nationwide.

Where can I do this experience?

Who is it suitable for?

• Minimum age is 8 years• Children must be accompanied by a participating adult or by an adult as a paying spectator• Walks can be arranged to involve as much or as little walking as you like, making the experience suitable for less able bodied visitors as well

Can anyone come along to watch?

• Our Kent based falconry courses happily welcome spectators - subject to a charge of £15 payable on the day but please let the operator know in advance• Bed and breakfast accommodation can be recommended when booking